Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores sell German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of purchasing one, look for a reputable breeder.
Look for a puppy with even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies as well as with people.
Breeders who are reputable follow strict ethical breeding methods and prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will give a litter's pedigree and medical documents.
Temperament
German Shepherds are confident powerful dogs with an instinctual sense of safety. They can be wary initially, but they get comfortable quickly after being socialized. They are known for their courage and saftey when faced with danger. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich makes them a great choice for police, military and guard dog duties. They are able to guard individuals and their possessions.
Whether you're looking for an obedience competition, service dog, or loyal family pet, the German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent breed. Their ability to learn and perform tasks is one of the main reasons they're so well-known. They bond quickly with their families and are able to participate in any activity at home. These dogs are also great for children. They're energetic, and will happily play with children (and often other dogs). Of course, like all breeds of dog they may be nippy with strangers and pets. Training and socialization early can aid in preventing aggression issues.
It is crucial to determine whether a breeder is a follower of ethical breeding practices. You'll want to find a German Shepherd breeder that follows the guidelines for screening and health testing as well as socialization and raising their puppies indoors. You can usually determine the credibility of a breeder by going to the facility, chatting with the parents and other siblings and asking questions about the genetic history and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which makes it more prone to Bloat. This could lead to fatality. To minimize the risk, be sure to give your puppy plenty of water, feed him regularly and give him an appropriate food bowl.
Like many herding dogs, German Shepherds can be very nippy and naturally bark to alert you to approaching strangers or intruders. They can be taught to be confident and calm when greeting people. It's recommended to take your dog to puppy obedience classes and/or enlist the services of an experienced dog trainer, particularly if you're not familiar with this breed of dog. This will ensure that your German Shepherd receives the right training and exercise to prevent him from becoming destructive or even attempting to escape. A microchip, along with an online subscription to 24PetWatch, will aid in finding your pet in the event that he gets away.
Health
The GSD is a strong breed, but like any other dog breed, they are prone to certain hereditary diseases and conditions. Do your research and make sure you purchase from a reliable breeder who cares about the health of their dogs. Before making a purchase make sure you visit the facility and meet the owners. Also, inquire about health certificates and socialization records.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) as well as weakness of the skeletal muscle. This is especially the case for older dogs. These problems can easily be treated with a balanced diet and exercise and physical therapy and supplements.
Epilepsy can also be passed down in GSDs. It's usually caused by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar organ failure, organ failure or toxin). It can also happen in the absence of any other reason, which is classified as epilepsy that is primary or idiopathic. If your dog is diagnosed with this disease it will require a lifetime medication to manage seizures.
Cancer can also affect GSDs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops on blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. Symptoms include lethargy, swelling and sudden collapse. The condition is extremely painful and there is no cure, so treatment is centered around managing the symptoms.
Allergies can be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can trigger itchy skin, ear infections as well as digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you'll require a thorough medical workup including a thorough history and exam and examination of the skin and ears as well as fecal and lab tests.
Degenerative myelopathy can affect people with GSDs and cause them to lose mobility. This condition usually manifests in the early 20s. The cause of this disease is an genetic mutation and can be identified through DNA testing. The signs of the disease include a progressive difficulty in getting up, a decreased ability to stand or jump with ease, pain, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. The disease is not curable, but it is managed with physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and training in protection. Their versatility makes them excellent service and bomb sniffing dogs as well as guides for the blind.
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to delight. However, they can be bored and prone to a flurry of behaviors if they do not receive adequate physical or mental stimulation. They need a solid, consistent, and patient trainer to help them develop their full potential and to help them remain calm in the face of distractions.
If you're looking to buy an purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you choose an breeder with a good reputation and who has the dog's welfare in mind. They should have a screening process to ensure that puppies will be a good fit to their families. They should also offer documentation of the puppy's pedigree, health clearances, as well as recommendations for training and care.
The breed standard states that although each German Shepherd is different, they should all be active, athletic and alert. They should be also protective of their family members and be sociable. You might want to inquire with the breeder about their breeding program, and you may also look at their puppies to observe their physical characteristics and demeanor.
Many people mistake the traditional German Shepherd behaviors of barking or lunging at movement with aggression, but they are simply natural responses that occur when a dog gets triggered by something that is moving around. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads in the corner of the room or hide from strangers have a genetic shyness that can be helped by socialization, but it is not "cured."
While some dogs shed hairs through the entire year, most shed heavily just twice a year. They shed a lot for three weeks during spring, when they switch from an engorged coat in winter to a lighter coat in summer. They then shed again in autumn as they prepare to return to a thicker coat during winter. You'll need to keep up with daily walks, playtime exercise, and lots of lint-rollers. A well-trained, properly socialized German shepherd will provide you with years of friendship, love, and loyalty.
Care
German Shepherds require constant training to avoid undesirable behaviors such as digging, chewing and excessive barking. They are extremely intelligent dogs that learn easily and love to have some purpose in their lives. If left to their own devices for a long time they could become bored and destructive. A large dog or backyard park is a must to channel their energy and give them a outlet for their high level of physical activity.
Breeders who are reputable can provide you with documentation proving the pedigree of the puppies as well as their parents health clearances. You should also meet the parents of the puppies to make sure the breeder has ethical breeding practices.
GSDs, due to their genetic predisposition are more susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasias, bloats and bloats, as well as heart disease and skin problems. They are also prone skin conditions, ear infections, and ear infections. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma that affect organs that are rich in blood, including the liver and spleen.
The the peritoneum is a spongy, tough connective tissue that surrounds the spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it. Peritoneal inflammation can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation can lead to other complications, including kidney infection, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed goes through an molting time every year, either once or twice You can also use a de-shedding tool, undercoat rake, or slicker brush to help keep the amount of shedding to a minimum.
GSDs could be suffering from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It occurs when the jelly-like pad that sits between the vertebrae breaks and presses on the spinal chord. The symptoms include difficulty in jumping, climbing stairs or moving around, a reluctance to move, a hunched back and the dragging of the back foot. If you observe any of these symptoms you should consult a physician immediately. The condition can rapidly advance and lead to paralysis or death. A doctor can move the disc to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.